Lavender Essential Oil

Lavandula angustifolia

At a Glance

Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Botanical Family: Lamiaceae / Labiatae
Plant Part Used: Flowers
Extraction Method Used: Steam distilled
Country of Origin: Bulgaria
Perfumery Note: Middle

Scent Profile

Lavender essential oil has a soft floral sweetness layered with herbaceous freshness and a delicate camphor note. It begins with a gentle, fresh floral lift, develops into a smooth herbal heart, and settles into a clean, softly cooling finish.

Botanical Description

Lavender is an evergreen aromatic perennial known for its woody base, narrow silvery leaves, and graceful stems of delicate purple flowers.

Traditional Aromatic Background

Lavender’s aromatic story begins in the Mediterranean, where it became a familiar part of bathing customs, household fragrance, and perfumery. Today it is grown widely across the world, both for its scent and for its beauty in the garden. The genus Lavandula includes about 48 species, each contributing to lavender’s rich botanical legacy.

Botanical Fun Facts

  • Lavender oil was already being distilled in southern France by the 15th century.
  • Until cultivation began in the 1920s, lavender was gathered from wild-growing plants.
  • Lavender oil is typically steam distilled from the flowering tops, often harvested at the height of summer in July and August.
  • Just one drop of lavender oil takes roughly 3–5 grams of fresh herb.
  • In Mexico, lavender is commonly called lavanda — a soft, familiar name for one of the most beloved aromatic plants, known for its gentle floral, herbaceous scent.

How it's Often Enjoyed

Often enjoyed in baths, massage oils, ointments, skin care, direct inhalation, and diffusers. Lavender also finds a natural place in botanical perfumes, room and linen sprays, pulse-point oils, and other everyday aromatic rituals.

A Note on Safe Use

For external use only. Do not ingest. Dilute before topical use unless otherwise directed for the specific product. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Consult a qualified professional before use if pregnant, nursing, or under medical care.

Special Safety Notes

Moderate risk of skin sensitization. No known contraindications reported in this reference. Source: Tisserand R, Young R. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier; 2014. p. 326.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to help preserve freshness and aromatic character.